Signed Tim Jennings

Jennings is off to a phenomenal start to the 2012 season, leading the league in both interceptions (four) and pass deflections (nine).

Had the 49ers signed Jennings, they would have had arguably the best cornerback trio in the league with Carlos Rogers and Tarell Brown.

And with the talented Bears cornerback, the 49ers could have tried experimenting with Chris Culliver as a safety, a position he played in college.

Donte Whitner is an incredible run-stuffer, but his coverage skills were once again exposed against Minnesota. He dropped what should have been an easy interception for a touchdown, and he allowed Kyle Rudolph to catch a high-arching pass by Christian Ponder for a touchdown in the fourth quarter. Whitner had plenty of time to turn his head and make a play on the ball, but instead he face-guarded Rudolph.

With Jennings, the 49ers would have had the option to have Culliver, an impressive cornerback in his own right, sub in for Whitner and play safety on passing downs, potentially making the 49ers pass defense more formidable.

Jennings signed a two-year, $6.6 million deal this offseason, a bargain for a guy with his ability.

Signed Aubrayo Franklin

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Franklin was stout against the run as a part of the 49ers for four seasons.

Last year, Franklin anchored a New Orleans Saints defensive line that allowed 108 rushing yards per game. Three games into the 2012 season without him, the Saints are allowing an average of 215 yards per game.

Franklin signed a one-year deal worth $890,000 with the Chargers in late July of this offseason. Naturally, San Diego's run defense has improved substantially from last season.

I don't understand why nobody wanted this guy.

The 49ers run defense has been solid so far this year, but it struggled in the second half against Adrian Peterson and the Minnesota Vikings. Having a little extra depth can never hurt, especially now that Isaac Sopoaga is banged up (via San Jose Mercury News).

Maybe Franklin and San Francisco burned a bridge, but if not, I can't understand why general manager Trent Baalke didn't ink Franklin to a cheap one-year deal before San Diego did.